FAQs

Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected areas and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the areas connected by the affected nerves.

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Stress and emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Sometimes. Today\’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don\’t resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren\’t moving right. Some methods use the doctor\’s hands, an instrument, a special table, or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam helps to determine if you are a person who chiropractic care might be unsuited. <a href=”http://hiddenvalleychiro.com/compare-the-facts.html”>Compare the facts.</a> Adjustments are even far safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

No. Only the spinal joints that are locked up or restricted receive adjustments. Having a restricted area of your spine is more likely to cause other areas to become loose. Adjusting the correct areas allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy for each patient. The intent is to get a stuck spinal joint moving again, helping to improve proper function and reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It\’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn\’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment

No. Each patient\’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient\’s care is custom-tailored for their age, conditions and health goals.

No. Some people make their joints pop but that\’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weekened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and health condition.